Find out who we’re celebrating as this month’s Community Champion
Our featured champions are dedicated leaders working in nonprofits who have been nominated for their innovation, resilience, dedication and empathy in the face of a complex and ever-changing world. Find out more about this month’s Community Champion:
Would you like to nominate someone for our Diligent Community Champions? Nominate them here!
Find out who our 2024 Community Champions were here.
March’s Community Champion
Name: Nidia Castañeda
Title: Senior Executive Administrator to the CEO
Organization: The Conrad Prebys Foundation
We are pleased to recognize Nidia Castañeda for her dedication to supporting her community and fostering positive connections. Nidia believes in the importance of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. As she shares, “To me, good governance means creating a foundation of trust through transparency, accountability, and fairness. It involves making decisions that prioritize the collective good, guided by ethical leadership and a commitment to inclusivity.”
Nidia has over seven years of experience in executive support and more than five years in political campaigns and business development, bringing valuable skills and insights to her work. Growing up in San Diego after moving from Tijuana, Mexico, at the age of five, her personal experiences have shaped her commitment to bridging communities and creating opportunities for others.
In her role at the Prebys Foundation, Nidia works closely with leadership while remaining actively involved in volunteer efforts that make a tangible difference. Outside of work, she values time with her family and enjoys creating special memories with her son and partner. Nidia’s warmth, dedication, and focus on service are what set her apart, and we are proud to recognize her contributions to her community.
February’s Community Champion
Name: Annette White
Title: Vice President, Governance & Executive Initiatives
Organization: Chicanos Por La Causa
We are thrilled to honor Annette White as our February Community Champion!
With over 30 years of experience in governance, business development, and community outreach, Annette White exemplifies leadership and dedication to serving her community. As Vice President of Governance & Executive Initiatives at Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC), Annette oversees 28 affiliate boards and more than 160 entities across six states, ensuring their operations are transparent, compliant, and mission aligned.
Annette’s journey began in high school, working with nonprofits supporting the homeless and at-risk youth. Her drive and potential were quickly recognized by mentors who helped shape her path in governance and administration. Over the years, Annette has launched scholarship programs, built marketing and grant-writing departments, and created innovative compliance initiatives that set industry benchmarks.
Her return to CPLC in 2016 marked a full-circle moment, allowing her to leverage decades of experience to strengthen governance structures across diverse communities. Annette is passionate about balancing compliance, legal standards, and mission-driven goals to enhance organizational impact.
“Good Governance to me is transparency, communication, and the balance of compliance, legal, and our mission as an agency,” Annette says. “BoardEffect provides us the tools to connect our boards and committees seamlessly, ensuring efficiency and alignment.”
We want to thank Annette for being such an outstanding Community Champion. Her tireless commitment to governance excellence and her community inspires us all.
Would you like to nominate someone for our Diligent Community Champions? Nominate them here!
